The Mind, Body and Soul exhibition showcases the artwork of women prisoners and some recently released. How did the idea come about?

Some of my work was featured in Women In Prison magazine, which I showed to the curator at Novas Gallery. A few weeks later I got a call saying it was going to let me showcase my work there.

How did you bring the show together?

We approached women prisoners. We had great feedback - around 200 pieces were submitted.

What moved you to get involved?

I'm an ex-offender myself.

What does the project aim to achieve?

To show people that art is art, no matter who you are or where you are.

Have any of the women you work with had formal art training?

Some have, some never. For the ones that have no formal training, they take in everything you tell them and blow you away.

You also teach painting to female inmates. Are there recurring themes?

The work is often very varied - everything from Van Gogh's Sunflowers, to guitars, to cats.

Why were you sent to prison?

I was put in an adult prison when I was 15 for breaking a baker's shop window. I was sentenced for two years and served two years. I was sent to a horrible Victorian prison. It was a nightmare.

How did prison change you?

It took my childhood away. For the next 25 years there was a lot of mental pain.

What are the most common misconceptions of women prisoners?

It's not all glamour, as shows such as Bad Girls portray. British jails have got a lot of people in them, many mentally ill. People need to realise that it's a long, painful road out of prison, whether you're guilty or not.

What would you change about Britain?

I would put a shout out to its people to stop judging each other. It's not about blame; it's about what we can do to support people and help them move forward.

What would you do if it wasn't this?

I'd be working with people. I also like writing and playing the guitar.